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Dip Tube Troubles

The dip tube in a water heater directs incoming cold water to the bottom of the tank, where the water rises as it becomes warmer. Without it, your water heater will emit lukewarm water not long after turning on the faucet.

Most water heater manufacturers purchase their dip tubes from one supplier. Only recently has it been discovered that dip tubes manufactured from 1993 to 1996 were affected by a change in the manufacturing process.

The disintegrating dip tubes have clogged faucets, shower heads, and dishwashers. As the tube dissolves, water heater water turns cooler; unsuspecting homeowners typically respond by simply turning up the thermostat. Currently, many plumbers aware of the situation are replacing defective dip tubes under warranty, back charging the repair to the manufacturer.

If your water heater was manufactured in this time frame (the first digits of the serial number often indicate the month and year of manufacture), and you are experiencing blockage or decreased hot water temperatures, you may have a defective dip tube. Contact the plumber or company that sold you the product; for further inquiry, the major manufacturers are